NYCFC also enjoyed a solid preseason campaign, winning five of their six games and losing just once, so this is perfectly poised.

The corresponding fixture last term saw Chicago run out 1-0 winners before the pair played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Yankee Stadium.

Team News

Chicago Fire have three injury concerns heading into opening weekend. Eric Gehrig is ruled out with an ongoing foot injury, while David Accam and Matt Polster are both listed as questionable. Draft pick Brandon Vincent should make his professional debut at left-back.

New York City also have a few injury worries heading into their 2016 opener. Connor Brandt and No.1 draft pick Jack Harrison are both ruled out, while Frank Lampard looks set to miss this one as he is struggling with a calf problem. The English midfielder remains doubtful along with Jefferson Mena and RJ Allen.

Key Points

Chicago Fire’s preseason form: W/W/D/W/W/W

NYCFC’s preseason form: W/W/W/W/L/W

Key Stat: NYCFC have only won one of their last eight away games in MLS.

Key Player: Gilberto – The Brazilian forward hasn’t always been the most reliable striker during his time in MLS, but he enters 2016 off the back of a good preseason campaign and will hope to fire Chicago to victory in an important season opener on Sunday. A goal for him in the opening game could set the tone for a productive season.

Photo: MLSsoccer.com

Score Prediction

Chicago Fire 1-1 NYCFC – This is expected to be one of the tightest games on the opening weekend of the new season. Both sides have impressed during preseason and will look to get off to the perfect start in what is a key Eastern Conference clash. However, they are likely to cancel each other out and so a score draw looks set to unfold.